Saudi Arabia has joined the Madrid Protocol, making it possible to obtain trademark protection in the country through WIPO’s international Madrid System.
Saudi Arabia deposited its instrument of accession on 8 July 2026, and its membership will formally take effect on 8 October 2026. From that date, businesses will be able to designate Saudi Arabia in new international trademark applications or extend existing international registrations to the country through a subsequent designation. Until now, trademark owners have been required to file national applications directly with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP).
What does this mean for trademark owners?
Saudi Arabia’s accession is expected to simplify the process of obtaining and managing trademark protection in the country.
Until now, national applications and renewals have often involved extensive formalities, including notarised and legalised powers of attorney. Through the Madrid System, these formalities are expected to be avoided in most cases, unless objections or other requirements arise during examination.
For businesses with international trademark portfolios, this provides a more streamlined and cost-effective route to obtaining protection in one of the Middle East’s largest markets.
Important considerations
In connection with its accession, Saudi Arabia has made a number of declarations:
- The time limit for the Office to notify provisional refusals has been extended from 12 to 18 months.
- Provisional refusals based on oppositions may be notified even after the expiry of the 18-month period.
- Saudi Arabia will charge individual fees for the designation and renewal of international registrations. The applicable fee amounts have not yet been published by WIPO but are expected to be announced shortly.
- Saudi Arabia does not permit the division or merger of international registrations, as these procedures are not available under its national trademark legislation.
These declarations are generally not unusual within the Madrid System. Several Madrid members have similar provisions regarding extended refusal periods and individual fees. However, the absence of division and merger procedures is less common and should be taken into consideration when managing international registrations that include protection in Saudi Arabia.
Access to another market through the Madrid System
With Saudi Arabia’s accession, the Madrid Union now comprises 117 members covering 133 countries and representing more than 80% of global trade.
This gives businesses access to trademark protection in an even greater number of markets through a single international system.
If your business is planning to expand into Saudi Arabia or other markets in the Middle East, now may be a good time to consider how the Madrid System can best support your international trademark strategy. Please feel free to contact our trademark team for a non-binding discussion of your options.